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Known as the "world's luckiest fishing village," Destin, Florida is a popular beach resort town in the area of the Panhandle called the Emerald Coast. Once a sleepy fishing village, Destin now attracts over 80 percent of the area's 4.5 million yearly visitors, according to the Florida Department of Environmental Protection. While the town has many high-rise vacation hotels along its white-sand beaches, the area's campgrounds offer lodging options as well, including tent camping.

Commercial campgrounds

Most commercial campgrounds in the Destin area are only for RVs and do not allow tents. In addition to RV hookups, Camp Gulf (campgulf.com) on Destin's beachfront also has tent sites. Two tents and a maximum of five people are allowed on sites. Pets are prohibited on tent sites. The campground has an activity center with an area for movie viewing, a full-size kitchen, a fitness area, pool tables, game consoles and grills for cookouts. Amenities include Wi-Fi, a heated pool and a casting lake for testing fishing equipment. Gulf Campground publishes a calendar of activities on its website.

State Park Camping

For a more rustic tent camping experience in Destin, vacationers can head to state parks in the area. Henderson Beach State Park (floridastateparks.org/hendersonbeach/) includes over 6,000 feet of scenic beachfront for camping and recreation. The park's 60 campsites accommodate both tents and RVs. All sites have water, electricity, grills and picnic tables. Other amenities include laundry facilities, vending machines and showers. Less than 10 miles east of Henderson Beach State Park is another state-managed area on the Gulf. Topsail Hill Preserve State Park (floridastateparks.org/topsailhill) has 20 sites for tent camping. The park has a camp store and showers. Tent sites include fire rings, elevated tent pads and electricity. Pets are allowed at both parks. Reservations for state parks can be made online at ReserveAmerica.com.

Activities

Destin may be a small town, but it has plenty of shopping and dining options. Grand Boulevard (grandboulevard.com) in the town's center has shops and restaurants including specialty boutiques and popular upscale chains. For bargains on designer clothes, shoppers go to Silver Sands Factory Stores (silversandsoutlet.com). For recreation, plenty of saltwater fishing opportunities are available. You can fish from piers or book a family-friendly charter trip. Numerous outfitters in town can equip visitors with bait, tackle and licenses. The state's official website VisitFlorida.com has a list of reputable fishing charter companies that offer all-inclusive day trips. Other recreational activities include golfing at championship courses, kayaking, parasailing, hiking on park trails and wildlife viewing.

How to Get There

Destin is south of Interstate 10 and less than 10 miles east of Fort Walton Beach Traveling by car, visitors reach the town after connecting to State Road 98, the only major road that goes through Destin. Commercial flights arrive via Northwest Florida Regional Airport (flyvps.com) north of Destin on Eglin Air Force Base. Five airlines serve the airport with direct flights from major cities in the South as well as Chicago and Cincinnati.

Resources

About the Author

Lauren Miller has more than 10 years of experience as a reporter, writer, editor and Web designer. She has also worked as a paralegal. Her articles on technology, small business and legal topics have appeared in magazines, newspapers, anthologies and trade journals. She has a Bachelor of Arts in philosophy and is an avid gardener and sports fan.

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